For many, the idea of living as an expat in a foreign country evokes a sense of adventure, excitement, and the opportunity for personal growth. Peru, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty, is a destination that captivates the imagination of expats from around the world. Let’s explore what it’s like to live as an expat in Peru, what are the expectations and what is the reality of expats in this country that actually has it all: mountains, jungle, ocean and bustling cities.
Peru attracts adventurers from far and wide, offering a tapestry of allure that sets it apart from its neighbouring nations. Whether drawn by its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, or promising economic prospects, each expatriate finds a unique reason to call Peru home. The country stands as a testament to ancient civilisations, with remnants of the revered Inca Empire adorning its landscapes. From the iconic Machu Picchu to the enigmatic Nazca Lines, the country’s deep-rooted history and archaeological treasures captivate enthusiasts of all ages. It is obviously a playground for explorers. Nature enthusiasts find solace in Peru’s varied landscapes, ranging from the lush Amazon rainforest to the towering peaks of the Andes mountains. With an abundance of natural environments to explore, adventurers revel in the country’s breathtaking scenery and diverse ecosystems. The enthusiasts of good cuisine will love the fusion of flavours. Peru’s culinary scene is in fact a reflection of its cultural diversity, blending indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian influences into a flavourful tapestry.
As you can see there are many great reasons to visit the country and to live here for a couple of years or even longer. Many expats work remotely for the foreign companies but also the Peruvian growing economy can offer some opportunities of investment. With flourishing sectors like mining, manufacturing, and tourism, the country offers promising job prospects for professionals and entrepreneurs alike. The cost of living in Peru is lower compared to other neighbouring countries. This attracts not only young professionals but also retirees. This last category of expats obviously have some specific needs like the access to good health services. Peruvian health system is not the greatest in the world so providing private health services can be one of many investment opportunities.
As you can see there is lots of space for everyone: retirees seeking tranquility, young professionals chasing career opportunities, creative entrepreneurs, adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts. It’s enough to have a look on various expat groups on social media to notice that everyone can find their own niche of community.
Peruvians are known for their warmth, hospitality, and sense of community, and many expats find themselves welcomed with open arms into their new surroundings. By actively participating in local events and activities, expats can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Peruvian culture and customs, enriching their experience and fostering a sense of belonging but remember, speaking Spanish is a must. In fact, the expat journey in Peru is not without its challenges. Language barriers, cultural adjustments, and bureaucratic hurdles may pose obstacles along the way. If you are seriously planning to live here then you have to learn Spanish. Although there is a fair community of foreigners you cannot go far speaking just English. Native Peruvians don’t really speak foreign languages and you will need at least basis of Spanish in your everyday life, not to forget when handling the bureaucracy or visiting any medical studio. When it comes to bureaucracy the first important thing to consider is the work permit and the visa. Peru offers a range of visa options catering to different needs and purposes, each with its own set of requirements. While the process may vary based on individual circumstances and of course your country of origin, Peru’s accessible visa system makes it a welcoming destination for expatriates from around the globe. In fact most of European and American citizens do not need a tourist visa to enter the country. A valid passport is enough enter the country and stay here for 6 months consecutively. If you have a job already and you will be working remotely from Peru you can definitely enter as a tourist and stay for half a year. After that period of time you will have to leave the country and re-enter but at this point I would advise you to consider applying for a permanent resident visa although there are many expats who have been coming back and forth every 6 months for years. Just so you know, it’s enough to leave to Bolivia or Chile (neighbouring countries and come back the day after). If you need more information about the visa free entrance and everything related to the immigration, the website of Peruvian Foreign Ministry is a good source of information https://www.consulado.pe/es/londres/tramite/Paginas/Visas/Issuance-of-Tourist-Visa.aspx
It happened that while visiting Peru as a tourist people decided to stay here longer and invest in the country. It’s true that the political situation is not always stable but at the same time the Peruvian economy has some interesting opportunities of investment and it may be worth to take a risk.
One of those is for sure the real estate market which offers diverse options to suit different preferences and budgets. The foreigners have the same rights as Peruvians in terms of the ownership of the property. It’s worth to look for properties in big cities such as Lima. Since the local salaries are still pretty low, it is worth to invest in real estate that can allow short or long term vacation rentals. Whether renting or buying expats can find their ideal home amidst Peru’s varied housing landscape. It’s really worth to stay here longer and embrace the local lifestyle. Whether it’s exploring the majestic landscapes of the Andes, savoring the flavors of ceviche and pisco sour, or dancing the night away to the rhythms of Afro-Peruvian music, expats in Peru have the chance to live their dreams.
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